BBC Music Sound of 2017 – see the longlist on tour!

Posted: 28th November 2016

Now in its 13th year, the BBC Music Sound Of 2017 longlist has been revealed. A tip-list for the future of music, the longlist’s 15 acts will be a sure way to determine who the next hottest artists in the world will be. Check out below this year’s nominees and where you can catch them on tour! Who do you think will be this year’s winner?

AJ Tracey

London based grime MC AJ Tracey has already been hailed as one of the best new acts in the UK this year by The Guardian, and is now nominated for BBC Music Sound Of 2017. His latest and third EP ‘Lil Tracey’ is due out this week (2nd December), so make sure you give it a listen, and keep an eye out for future tour announcements!

Anderson .Paak

Anderson .Paak is an American recording artist and music producer from California. His debut album, ‘O.B.E. Vol. 1’ was released in 2012, under the name Breezy Lovejoy. Four albums and four EPs later, Anderson .Paak is on the rise and has just been announced as support on the upcoming Bruno Mars tour.

Cabbage

Mancunian five-piece Cabbage have been gathering hype across the UK this past year and were tipped as the next big thing by Sound of 2016 nominees Blossoms. They’re heading out on a headline tour with fellow up-and-comers The Shimmer Band and April in February 2017, alongside a slot supporting Blossoms the following month, and will be joining Courteeners, The Charlatans and Blossoms for a massive show at Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester next May.

Dave

Classically-trained rapper Dave is inspired by the likes of Pink Floyd and Hans Zimmer, and has been making waves in the music industry for the past year. He’s working on his debut album (alongside his studies in philosophy and ethics, music and law) with producer Fraser T Smith, whose past work includes Adele’s ’21’ and Kano’s ‘Made In The Manor’. Don’t miss him in London next week!

Declan McKenna

With support from BBC Music Introducing, 2016 has been kind to 17 year old Declan McKenna, seeing him perform at Maida Vale, Radio 1’s Big Weekend and Later… with Jools Holland. His debut EP ‘Liar’ was released earlier this year, leading to a busy summer of festivals including slots at Live at Leeds, The Great Escape and Field Day. Don’t miss Declan as he supports Cage The Elephant next year before heading off on his headline tour in January.

Jorja Smith

After posting her first single ‘Blue Lights’ on SoundCloud earlier this year, Jorja Smith has earned praise from Drake, Stormzy and Skrillex, after the single saw over 100,000 plays in its first week alone. Her new EP ‘Project 11’ is out now, so give it a listen and keep an eye out for any new tour dates – her current headline tour is sold out!

Maggie Rogers

With BBC Radio 1 as an early supporter and a viral video of Pharrell Williams’ praise putting her on the map, American Maggie Rogers discovered her sound in Europe after studying in France. Her debut EP is due out in February 2017 and she’s already gained a loyal UK fan following after selling out two shows at London’s new venue Omeara. Keep an eye out for further tour dates in the future!

Nadia Rose

After packing in her part time job and beginning to make music with friend and producer The Black Obsidian, Nadia Rose finally started to receive deserved recognition and praise in the music biz, having just signed a record deal with Sony. Hot on the heels of her cousin and contemporary Stormzy, 2017 is sure to be Nadia Rose’s year. Catch her at Oval Space, London with DJ Toddla T this week!

Rag’n’Bone Man

With his debut album due out next year, Rag’n’Bone Man is undoubtedly fulfilling his destiny to make music, and signed his record deal with Columbia Records earlier this year. The singer-songwriter’s first single peaked at number one in the Official Singles Charts in Austria, Germany, Belgium and Switzerland; it’s only a matter of time before he’s scoring number ones in the UK and beyond too. Having just completed a stint supporting Tom Odell on tour, keep an eye out for new tour dates.

Ray BLK

Also up for Best Newcomer at the MOBO Awards this year, Ray BLK is nominated for this year’s Sound of 2017 following the release of her much playlisted single ’50/50′. Ray BLK recently self-released her debut mini album ‘Durt’, which features collaborations with Stormzy, Wretch 32 and SG Lewis. You can catch her at London’s Village Underground in February, don’t miss out.

RAYE

18 year old RAYE has already racked up a wealth of material and released her debut EP in 2014. The ex-BRIT school student co-wrote her single ‘I, U, Us’ with Charli XCX and Raye in turn worked on Charli’s current hit, After The Afterparty. She’s currently supporting Jess Glynne on an arena tour of the UK, and you can catch her at XOYO in London in February for a headlining show.

Stefflon Don

Hailed by Vice as “London’s new Grime queen”, Stefflon Don made her mark in 2015 with her versions of Wretch 32’s ‘Six Words’ and Section Boyz’s ‘Lock Arff’. She’s also appeared on tracks by Lethal Bizzle, Sneakbo and Angel. Now, making waves on her own, she is currently working on her debut mixtape, Real Ting, which will feature Jeremih and Scouse Trappin Tremz. You can catch Stefflon Don in London at AMP Collected next week.

The Amazons

One of few rock acts to make this year’s longlist, Reading four-piece The Amazons placed themselves on the radar with ‘Stay With Me’ this year and are now nominated for Sound of 2017. Having toured recently with The Strypes and Jimmy Eat World, The Amazons are collecting new fans along the way and head out on a headline tour of the UK in March/April 2017.

The Japanese House

Amber Bain, AKA The Japanese House, releases dreamy electronica that has caught the attention of critics, garnering support from the likes of Radio 1’s Phil Taggart and Huw Stephens and CHVRCHES. Having spent most of the year supporting The 1975, The Japanese House has toured the UK extensively over the past two years – keep an eye out for new dates in the future!

Tom Grennan

Finding fame on Chase & Status’s track ‘When It All Goes Wrong’, Tom Grennan was quickly considered a one to watch, grabbing slots at Radio 1’s Live Lounge and on BBC Two’s Later… with Jools Holland. Heading out on a headlining tour this February, don’t miss your chance to see a true up-and-comer at a venue near you.